Rack for supporting a bicycle in a generally upright position

ABSTRACT

A rack for supporting a bicycle in a generally upright position, the rack comprising a frame comprising a curb bar; and the curb bar comprising a mounting surface for exerting a counterbalancing force on a crank assembly of the bicycle to frictionally hold the bicycle in the generally upright position. When the bicycle is supported by the curb bar, the bicycle is positioned relative to the rack for securing the bicycle to the rack. The curb bar exerts a counterbalancing force on the pedal axle or the pedal of the bicycle. The counterbalancing force may be a frictional force or a torque. Bicycles can be supported on either side of the rack, the bicycles facing in either a forward or reverse direction. The bicycle may be secured to the rack at multiple points.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/135,814 filed on Apr. 22, 2016, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD

This relates to the field bicycle security, and in particular, to a rackfor supporting a bicycle in a generally upright position.

BACKGROUND

A bicycle is a popular form of transportation, as it provides variousbenefits. For example, cycling is a way to exercise and providesphysical and mental health benefits for the cyclist. Cycling alsoprovides environmental benefits as a bicycle does not generatepollutants during operation. Additionally, cycling may provide economicbenefits as a bicycle does not require fuel or refuelling, as comparedto other forms of transportation, like a car.

When not in use, a bicycle should be secured. If left unsecured inpublic spaces, the bicycle may be stolen, especially if the bicycle isleft unattended. Moreover, an unattended bicycle may become a physicalimpediment and inconvenience for pedestrians or drivers.

One way to secure a bicycle is to secure it to a bicycle rack. Variousbicycle racks have been developed for securing a bicycle. Such bicycleracks provide a structure to lean the bicycle, for example the frame ofthe bicycle, against the structure and for securing the bicycle.Unfortunately, existing bicycle racks tend not to support the bicycle ina generally upright position, so the secured bicycles have a sloppyappearance with an askew front wheel. Furthermore, existing bicycleracks may not provide multiple locations for locking the bicycle frameand wheels to the rack, and may not accommodate bicycles that lack adiamond-shaped frame or top bar. In addition, current bicycle parkingareas comprising a plurality of existing bicycle racks contribute to adisorganized and unattractive appearance and tend to inefficiently usethe space allotted for the bicycle parking areas.

SUMMARY

An example rack for supporting a bicycle in a generally uprightposition, the rack comprising: a frame comprising a curb bar; and thecurb bar comprising a mounting surface for exerting a counterbalancingforce on a crank assembly of the bicycle to frictionally hold thebicycle in the generally upright position.

An example rack for supporting a bicycle in a generally uprightposition, the rack comprising: a frame comprising a horizontal curb bar;the horizontal curb bar comprising: a mounting surface for exerting acounterbalancing force on a pedal axle or a pedal of the bicycle tocounterbalance a torque in a chain ring of the bicycle, the torquegenerated by reverse rotation of a rear wheel of the bicycle, tofrictionally hold the bicycle in the generally upright position; andslots for receiving the pedal axle to prevent forward, reverse, andlateral movement of the bicycle to hold the bicycle in the generallyupright position, wherein when the pedal axle is received in the slots,a crank arm and the pedal straddle the horizontal curb bar.

Other aspects will be apparent from the description and drawingsprovided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the figures which illustrate example embodiments,

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rack;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the rack of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of an upper curb bar of the rack of FIG. 1 alongline III-III shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a bicycle supported at a pedal axle of thecrank arm, pedal axle, and pedal assembly on the lower edge of the uppercurb bar of the rack of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a bicycle supported at a pedal axle of thecrank arm, pedal axle, and pedal assembly in the middle slot on theupper edge of the upper curb bar of the rack of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the rack of FIG.5, the portion identified by window A as shown in FIG. 5, showing theinterface of the pedal axle of the crank arm, pedal axle, and pedalassembly and the middle slot of the upper curb bar;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a bicycle supported at a pedal axle of thecrank arm, pedal axle, and pedal assembly in another slot on the upperedge of the upper curb bar of the rack of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the rack of FIG.7, the portion identified by window B as shown in FIG. 7, showing theinterface of the pedal axle of the crank arm, pedal axle, and pedalassembly and another slot on the upper edge of the upper curb bar;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a bicycle supported at a pedal of thecrank arm, pedal axle, and pedal assembly by a notch on an upper edge ofa lower curb bar of the rack of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the rack of FIG.9, the portion identified by window C as shown in FIG. 9, showing theinterface of the pedal of the crank arm, pedal axle, and pedal assemblyand the notch on the upper edge of the lower curb bar;

FIG. 11A is a front view of another rack comprising notches and notchslots on the upper edge of the lower curb bar;

FIG. 11B is an embodiment of the rack of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a bicycle supported at a pedal axle ofthe crank arm, pedal axle, and pedal assembly by a notch slot on anupper edge of the lower curb bar of the rack of FIG. 11B;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the rack of FIG.12, the portion identified by window D as shown in FIG. 12, showing theinterface of the pedal axle of the crank arm, pedal axle, and pedalassembly and the notch slot on the upper edge of the lower curb bar;

FIG. 14 is a front view of another rack with a curb bar;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart depicting a method of using the pedal or pedalaxle of the crank arm, pedal axle, and pedal assembly to support abicycle in a generally upright position using the lower edge of theupper curb bar of the rack of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart depicting a method of using the pedal or pedalaxle of the crank arm, pedal axle, and pedal assembly to support abicycle in a generally upright position using the upper edge of thelower curb bar of the rack of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 17 is a flow chart depicting a method of using the pedal axle ofthe crank arm, pedal axle, and pedal assembly to support a bicycle in agenerally upright position using the slots on the upper curb bar of therack of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A rack for supporting a bicycle in a generally upright position isdisclosed. The rack may comprise a frame, which may comprise a curb bar.The curb bar may comprise a mounting surface, which may be a fixedmounting surface, to exert a counterbalancing force to counter the forceand/or torque generated by the crank arm, pedal axle, and pedal assemblyof the bicycle to frictionally and/or torsionally hold the bicycle in agenerally upright position. The mounting surface of the curb bar may bein physical contact with a pedal or pedal axle of the bicycle forsupporting the bicycle in the generally upright position. One or morebicycles may be supported and secured to the rack on the same and/oropposite sides of the rack and facing either a forward or reversedirection. When a bicycle is supported by the rack, the bicycle may besecured and locked to the rack at multiple points.

FIG. 1 a perspective view of a rack 100, and FIG. 2 is a front view ofrack 100. Rack 100 may support a bicycle in a generally uprightposition. When the bicycle is supported in a generally upright positionby rack 100, the bicycle may be secured to rack 100 at multiple points.In some embodiments, the bicycle may be generally parallel to rack 100when the bicycle is supported by rack 100.

Rack 100 may comprise a frame 110 comprising a curb bar 130. Rack 100may comprise no curb bars 130, or one or more curb bars 130. Forexample, as depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, rack 100 may comprise anupper curb bar 130 a and a lower curb bar 130 b. Curb bar 130 maycomprise a mounting surface for exerting a counterbalancing force tocounter the torque generated by the crank arm, pedal axle, and pedalassembly of a bicycle to frictionally and/or torsionally hold thebicycle in a generally upright position for securing the bicycle to rack100.

Rack 100 may have a height and a length to support one or more bicycleson the same and/or opposite sides of rack 100, the bicycles havingvarious configurations and sizes. In some embodiments, rack 100 maysupport bicycles with a diamond-shaped frame and/or bicycles without adiamond-shaped frame. In some examples, rack 100 may generally have aheight of 800 mm and may generally have a length of 800 mm.

Rack 100 may comprise a first frame leg 112 and a second frame leg 114opposing first frame leg 112. First frame leg 112 and second frame leg114 may be positioned such that they lie on the same three-dimensionalplane. In some embodiments, first frame leg 112 and second frame leg 114may be generally straight such that frame 110 has a generallyrectangular shape with rounded or pointed corners. As depicted in FIG. 1and FIG. 2, first frame leg 112 and second frame leg 114 may be curved.In some examples, first frame leg 112 and second frame leg 114 orportions thereof may generally define a radius of curvature between 600mm and 700 mm.

In some embodiments, rack 100 may comprise a first frame arc 116 and asecond frame arc 118. As depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an end portionof first frame leg 112 may be deflected inwardly to form first frame arc116. Similarly, an end portion of second frame leg 114 may be deflectedinwardly to form second frame arc 118. First frame arc 116 and secondframe arc 118 may be curved, as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2. In someembodiments, first frame arc 116 and second frame arc 118 may begenerally straight.

First frame leg 112 and second frame leg 114 may be deflected usingappropriate deflecting devices, such as bending tools, bending machines,computer numerical control bending machines, and the like. In someembodiments, first frame arc 116 and second frame arc 118 may bemanufactured separately from first frame leg 112 and second frame leg114. In some examples, first frame arc 116 and second frame arc 118 orportions thereof may generally define a radius of curvature of 700 mm.In some examples, the portions of first frame arc 116 and second framearc 118 proximate to the corners of rack 100 as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.2 may define a radius of curvature of 150 mm. In some examples, a centreof the radius of curvature of the portions of first frame arc 116 andsecond frame arc 118 proximate to the corners of rack 100 may generallybe 200 mm to 250 mm offset from a longitudinal axis generallyperpendicular to a surface on which rack 100 is installed andintersecting the centre of rack 100.

In some embodiments, first frame leg 112 and second frame leg 114 may bemanufactured with metal. First frame leg 112 and second frame leg 114may be cast, forged, 3D-printed, computer numerical control, or machinedentirely from the appropriate metal, such as hard carbon steel,stainless steel (native or recycled), aluminum (native or recycled),nickel, titanium, zinc, and the like. First frame leg 112 and secondframe leg 114 may be cut from metal plates, such as standard gauge metalplates. In some examples, first frame leg 112 and second frame leg 114may have a general width of 56 mm and a general thickness of 10 mm.

First frame leg 112 and second frame leg 114 may be fastened to asurface, for example a concrete floor, at anchors 120. Anchors 120 maybe fastened to first frame leg 112 and second frame leg 114 usingappropriate fasteners, such as by welding. In some embodiments, anchors120 may be manufactured with metal, for example hard carbon steel,similar to frame leg 112 and second frame leg 114.

First frame leg 112 and second frame leg 114 may be fastened to anexisting surface at anchors 120 using appropriate fasteners, such asnuts and bolts, screws, and the like, by cutting slots, for example bydiamond cutting, into the existing surface. In some embodiments, anchors120 of first frame leg 112 and second frame leg 114 may be set into asurface, for example a concrete floor, as the surface is beingfabricated. When first frame leg 112 and second frame leg 114 areanchored to the surface, they may resist removal. Anchors 120 maycomprise bolt holes for receiving bolts and lock washers to set firstframe leg 112 and second frame leg 114 into the surface. In someexamples, anchors 120 may receive half-inch bolts and the correspondinglock washers to set first frame leg 112 and second frame leg 114 intothe surface, and may resist up to 3500 pounds per square inch ofpressure for each bolt used.

Rack 100 may comprise a frame bar 122 in connection with first frame leg112 and second frame leg 114. Frame bar may be fastened with first frameleg 112 and second frame leg 114 using appropriate fastening devices,such as welding. As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, frame bar 122 isconnected to first frame leg 112 and second frame leg 114 at generallythe top most point of first frame leg 112 and second frame leg 114. Insome embodiments, frame bar 122 may be connected at a lower point onfirst frame leg 112 and second frame leg 114.

In some embodiments, frame bar 122 may be manufactured with metal, forexample hard carbon steel, similar to frame leg 112 and second frame leg114. Frame bar 122 may be cut from metal plates, such as standard gaugemetal plates. In some examples, frame bar 122 may have a general widthof 56 mm and a general thickness of 10 mm.

In some embodiments, first frame leg 112, second frame leg 114, firstframe arc 116, second frame arc 118, anchors 120, frame bar 122, or acombination thereof, may be manufactured integrally to define acontinuous frame 110 or continuous portions of frame 110. In someembodiments, first frame leg 112, second frame leg 114, first frame arc116, second frame arc 118, anchors 120, frame bar 122, or a combinationthereof may be manufactured separately and fastened together aftermanufacturing using appropriate fastening devices, such as welding, toform frame 110.

Rack 100 may comprise curb bar 130, curb bar 130 comprising a mountingsurface that may be fixed to curb bar 130 for exerting acounterbalancing force on a crank arm, pedal axle, and pedal assembly ofa bicycle and preventing reverse rotation of the crank arm, pedal axle,and pedal assembly along the path of its arc. Curb bar 130 may begenerally flat and straight. In some embodiments, curb bar 130 may becurved or a portion of curb bar 130 may be offset from another portionof curb bar 130.

As depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, rack 100 may comprise upper curb bar130 a and lower curb bar 130 b (collectively and individually, curb bar130). In some embodiments, rack 100 may comprise no curb bars 130, onecurb bar 130, or more than one curb bar 130.

Curb bar 130 may comprise a mounting surface that may be fixed to curbbar 130 for exerting a counterbalancing force on a crank arm, pedalaxle, and pedal assembly of a bicycle to frictionally and/or torsionallyhold the bicycle in a generally upright position. The mounting surfacemay define an upper edge 132 or a lower edge 134 of curb bar 130, andmay define slots 136, or notches 138 on curb bar 130.

Upper edge 132 or lower edge 134 of curb bar 130 may be defined bymounting surfaces that may exert a counterbalancing force tocounterbalance the force and/or torque generated by the crank arm, pedalaxle, and pedal assembly of a bicycle for frictional and/or torsionalholding of the bicycle in a generally upright position. In someembodiments, upper edge 132 or lower edge 134 of curb bar 130 maycontact a pedal axle or a pedal of a crank arm, pedal axle, and pedalassembly of the bicycle. Upper edge 132 and/or lower edge 134 of curbbar 130 may be knurled to increase friction between curb bar 130 and thebicycle for frictionally and/or torsionally holding the bicycle in agenerally upright position. Upper edge 132 or lower edge 134 of curb bar130 may have a plurality of configurations. Upper edge 132 or lower edge134 of curb bar 130 may be generally straight edges and generallyparallel to the surface on which rack 100 is mounted. In someembodiments, upper edge 132 or lower edge 134 of curb bar 130 may begenerally straight edges and not parallel to the surface on which rack100 is mounted, may be curved edges, wave-like edges, crenate edges orcrenellated edges, discontinuous edges, or irregular edges.

Slots 136 may be defined by a mounting surface of curb bar 130 that mayexert a counterbalancing force on a crank arm, pedal axle, and pedalassembly of a bicycle for frictionally and/or torsionally holding thebicycle in a generally upright position. In some embodiments, thecounterbalancing force may be a frictional force or a torque. In someembodiments, slots 136 may not exert a counterbalancing force on thebicycle. Slots 136 may be a space defined by the mounting surface ofcurb bar 130 that may receive an exposed portion of a pedal axle betweena crank arm and a pedal.

In some embodiments, slots 136 may receive a pedal axle of a crank arm,pedal axle, and pedal assembly of the bicycle. The width of slots 136may be sized for receiving a pedal axle with a standard pedal axlediameter. The depth of slots 136 may be sized such that when slots 136receive a pedal axle, the bicycle may be supported on its wheels withoutalso being supported at the end of slots 136. In some examples, slots136 may generally have a width of 10 mm and may generally have a depthof 100 mm.

The mounting surface defining the opening of slots 136 may be bevelled,rounded, chamfered, or otherwise smoothed for receiving a pedal axle ofa bicycle.

Slots 136 may be generally straight and oriented generally perpendicularto upper edge 132 or lower edge 134 of curb bar 130. In someembodiments, slots 136 may be diagonal relative to upper edge 132 orlower edge 134 such that a longitudinal axis parallel to slots 136 maydefine an acute or obtuse angle with upper edge 132 or lower edge 134.In some embodiments, slots 136 may be curved with a radius of curvaturegenerally similar to a radius of an arc traced by the rotation of apedal or pedal axle of a bicycle. In some embodiments, one or more slots136 may have a different orientation as compared to other slots 136 onrack 100. In some embodiments, slots 136 may be located on curb bar 130such that when a bicycle is frictionally and/or torsionally held in agenerally upright position using slots 136, the bicycle may be generallyaligned with rack 100 to secure and lock the bicycle on rack 100 atmultiple points.

Notches 138 may be defined by a mounting surface of curb bar 130 thatmay exert a counterbalancing force to counter a torque that may begenerated by a crank arm, pedal axle, and pedal assembly of a bicyclefor frictional and/or torsional holding of the bicycle in a generallyupright position. In some embodiments, the counterbalancing force may bea frictional force or a torque.

In some embodiments, notches 138 may receive a pedal of a crank assemblyof the bicycle. The width of notches 138 may be sized for receiving abicycle pedal with a standard pedal width. The depth of notches 138 maybe sized for receiving a bicycle pedal with a standard pedal depth. Insome embodiments, the stopping face defining notches 138 may furtherdefine slots or teeth on notches 138 to promote receiving a pedal or apedal axle of a bicycle. In some examples, notches 138 may have ageneral width between 80 mm and 100 mm and may have a general depth of10 mm.

Curb bar 130 may be fastened to first frame leg 112 and second frame leg114 using appropriate fastening devices, such as welding and the like.In some embodiments, curb bar 130 may be integral to frame 110, forexample integral to first frame leg 112 and/or second frame leg 114.

Similarly, curb bar 130 may be fastened to first frame arc 116 andsecond frame arc 118 using appropriate fastening devices, such aswelding and the like. In some embodiments, curb bar 130 may be integralto frame 110, for example integral to first frame arc 116 and/or secondframe arc 118.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, when curb bar 130 is connected to firstframe leg 112 and first frame arc 116, either integrally or usingappropriate fastening devices, they may define a first frame ring 140.Similarly, curb bar 130 in connection with second frame leg 114 andsecond frame arc 118 may define a second frame ring 142. First framering 140 and second frame ring 142 may be continuously defined such thata lock may be locked through first frame ring 140 and second frame ring142 for securing and locking bicycle 200 to rack 100. In someembodiments, rack 100 may comprise additional frame rings. For example,rack 100 may comprise additional frame arcs generally similar to firstframe arc 116 and second frame arc 118, or said additional frame arcsmay be fastened using appropriate fastening devices to rack 100, such asat frame bar 122 and curb bar 130, to define additional frame rings.

In some embodiments, frame 110 may not comprise first frame arc 116and/or second frame arc 118. First frame leg 112, second frame leg 114,frame bar 122, and curb bar 130 fastened to first frame leg 112 andsecond frame leg 114 may define a continuous enclosure such that a lockmay be locked through said enclosure for securing and locking bicycle200 to rack 100.

Similar to first frame leg 112 and second frame leg 114, curb bar 130may be manufactured with metal. Curb bar 130 may be cast, forged,3D-printed, computer numerical control, or machined entirely from theappropriate metal, such as hard carbon steel, stainless steel (native orrecycled), aluminum (native or recycled), nickel, titanium, zinc, andthe like. Curb bar 130 may be cut from metal plates, such as standardgauge metal plates. In some examples, curb bar 130 may have a generalwidth of 100 mm to 150 mm and a general thickness of 7 mm. In someexamples, curb bar 130 may have a length generally similar to the lengthof rack 100.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, upper curb bar 130 a may comprise upperedge 132 a and lower edge 134 a. In some examples, upper edge 132 a ofupper curb bar 130 a may be generally positioned at a height of 500 mmfrom a surface on which rack 100 is mounted. Upper edge 132 a of uppercurb bar 130 a may comprise slots 136 a, 136 b, and 136 c (individuallyand collectively, slot 136). In some embodiments, curb bar 130 maycomprise no slots, one slot, or more than one slot.

Slots 136 a, 136 b, and 136 c may be positioned relative to upper curbbar 130 a such that when a bicycle is supported by rack 100 using slots136 a, 136 b, and 136 c, the bicycle may be secured to rack 100 atmultiple points. In some embodiments, curb bar 130 a may comprise one ormore slots 136 for supporting bicycles on both sides of rack 100. Insome embodiments, slot 136 b may be located generally at the centre ofupper support member 130 a. In some examples, slot 136 a and slot 136 cmay be generally 200 mm to 250 mm from slot 136 b.

In some embodiments, upper curb bar 130 a may comprise one or more slots136 and/or one or more notches 138 on upper edge 132 a and/or lower edge134 a of upper curb bar 130 a. In some embodiments, upper curb bar 130 amay not comprise slots 136 or notches 138.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, similar to upper curb bar 130 a, lowercurb bar 130 b may comprise upper edge 132 b and lower edge 134 b. Insome examples, upper edge 132 b of lower curb bar 130 b may be generallypositioned at a height of 150 mm from a surface on which rack 100 ismounted. As depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, upper edge 132 b of lowercurb bar 130 b may comprise notches 138 a and 138 b (individually andcollectively, notch 138). In some embodiments, lower curb bar 130 b maycomprise one or more notches 138 for supporting bicycles on both sidesof rack 100. Notches 138 a and 138 b may be positioned relative to rack100 such that when a bicycle is supported by rack 100, the bicycle maybe secured to rack 100 at several points. As illustrated in FIG. 1 andFIG. 2, notches 138 a and 138 b may be located between the centre andthe ends of lower curb bar 130 b. In some examples, notches 138 a and138 b may be positioned generally 100 mm away from the centre of lowercurb bar 130 b.

In some embodiments, lower curb bar 130 b may comprise one or more slots136 and/or one or more notches 138 on upper edge 132 b and/or lower edge134 b of lower curb bar 130 b. In some embodiments, lower curb bar 130 bmay not comprise slots 136 or notches 138.

In some embodiments, rack 100 or a portion of rack 100 may comprise amounting surface that may be fixed to rack 100 for exerting acounterbalancing force on a crank arm, pedal axle, and pedal assembly ofa bicycle and preventing reverse rotation of the crank arm, pedal axle,and pedal assembly along the path of its arc in a manner generallysimilar to and comprising features generally similar to curb bar 130 asdescribed herein.

In some embodiments, curb bar 130 may be a generally flat plate and mayhave a generally straight and continuous cross-section with a generallystraight and continuous upper edge 132 and/or lower edge 134.

In some embodiments, curb bar 130 may be a plate with differentcross-sections. For example, curb bar 130 may be a plate with a curvedcross-section, wave-like cross-section or a sinusoidal cross-section. Insome embodiments, curb bar 130 may be a plate with a cross-sectioncomprising two or more straight discontinuous portions, where one ormore portions of curb bar 130 is not aligned with the remaining portionsof curb bar 130.

In some embodiments, curb bar 130 may have a crenellated cross-sectionwith a discontinuous upper edge 132 and/or lower edge 134, for example,as depicted in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a top view of upper curb bar 130 aalong line III-III shown in FIG. 2. As depicted in FIG. 3, the portionof upper curb bar 130 a comprising slot 136 b may be offset from theportions of upper curb bar 130 a comprising slot 136 a and slot 136 c. Aportion of curb bar 130 may be offset for reducing interference betweencomponents of bicycles supported on both sides of rack 100. For example,the offset design of upper curb bar 130 a as shown in FIG. 3 may permitaccess in a forward and/or reverse direction for one or more bicycles200 on the same and/or opposite sides of rack 100 at the same time. Theoffset design of upper curb bar 130 a may reduce or remove conflict ofhandle bars and seats of bicycles 200 on opposite sides of rack 100, mayreduce or remove conflict of a pedal of bicycle 200 on one side of rack100 and a frame of bicycle 200 on the other side of rack 100, and maypromote the securing of bicycles 200 on both sides of rack 100.

In some embodiments, the portions of upper curb bar 130 a comprisingslots 136 a, 136 b, and 136 c may be manufactured integrally. In someembodiments, the portions of upper curb bar 130 a comprising slots 136a, 136 b, and 136 c may be manufactured separately and fastened withfirst frame leg 112, second frame leg 114, first frame arc 116, andsecond frame arc 118 using appropriate fastening devices. In someembodiments, one or more curb bars 130, for example upper curb bar 130 aand lower curb bar 130 b, may have an offset design as illustrated inFIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a bicycle 200 supported at a crankassembly 202 of bicycle 200 by a lower edge 134 a of upper curb bar 130a of rack 100. Rack 100 may support bicycles of different configurationsand types. Bicycle 200 as depicted in FIG. 4 may be a common bicyclewith a diamond-shaped frame, such as a road bicycle or a mountainbicycle. In some embodiments, bicycle 200 may be a bicycle with orwithout a diamond-shaped frame, a bicycle made for an adult, a bicyclemade for a child, a recumbent bicycle, a touring bicycle, a hand cycle,and the like.

In some embodiments, crank assembly 202 of bicycle 200 may comprise achain ring 204, a crank arm 206, a pedal axle 208, and a pedal 210.Crank arm 206, pedal axle 208, and pedal 210 may comprise the crank arm,pedal axle, and pedal assembly as referred to herein. Rotation of chainring 204 in a forward or reverse direction may cause crank arm 206 torotate in the same forward or reverse direction. Similarly, rotation ofcrank arm 206 in a forward or reverse direction may cause chain ring 204to rotate in the same forward or reverse direction.

As will be described in greater detail herein, rotation of a rear wheelof bicycle 200 in a reverse direction may cause chain ring 204 and crankarm 206 to rotate in the same reverse direction, yet rotation of a rearwheel of bicycle 200 in a forward direction may not cause chain ring 204and crank arm 206 to rotate in the same forward direction. Similarly,rotation of chain ring 204 and crank arm 206 in a forward direction maycause the rear wheel of bicycle 200 to rotate in the same forwarddirection, yet rotation of chain ring 204 and crank arm 206 in a reversedirection may not cause the rear wheel of bicycle 200 to rotate in thesame reverse direction.

Chain ring 204 may be fastened to one end of crank arm 206 usingappropriate fastening devices, such as bearings, brackets, pins, screws,nuts and bolts, and the like. In some embodiments, crank arm 206 may befastened generally at the centre of chain ring 204.

The other end of crank arm 206 may be fastened to one end of pedal axle208. Crank arm 206 may be fastened to pedal axle 208 using appropriatefastening devices.

The other end of pedal axle 208 may be received in a pedal axle channel209 of pedal 210 and fastened to pedal 210 using appropriate fasteningdevices. Pedal axle channel 209 may be integral to pedal 210. In someembodiments, pedal axle channel 209 may be a longitudinal channelextending through generally the centre of pedal 210, as shown, forexample, in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8. When pedal axle 208 is received in pedalaxle channel 209 of pedal 210, pedal 210 may rotate relative to pedalaxle 208 about pedal axle channel 209. A portion of pedal axle 208 maybe exposed between crank arm 206 and pedal 210. In some examples,approximately 10 mm to 15 mm of pedal axle 208 may be exposed betweencrank arm 206 and pedal 210.

Chain ring 204 may comprise teeth along a circumference or edge of chainring 204 for receiving a chain 212. Chain 212 may, for example, be aroller chain comprising a plurality of chain links.

In some embodiments, bicycle 200 may further comprise a rear wheel 214and a front wheel 216. Rear wheel 214 may be fastened to a rear wheelhub of bicycle 200 using appropriate fastening devices, such asbearings, brackets, pins, screws, nuts and bolts, and the like. The rearwheel hub may comprise a rear wheel gear sprocket that may compriseteeth similar to the teeth of chain ring 204 for receiving chain 212.The rear wheel hub of bicycle 200 may further comprise a freewheelcomprising a ratchet and pawl mechanism. The ratchet and pawl mechanismmay allow rear wheel 214 to rotate in a forward manner, for examplemanually, without causing chain 212 and chain ring 204 to rotate in aforward manner, as described further below. Similarly, manually rotatingrear wheel 214 in a reverse manner may engage the ratchet and pawlmechanism in the freewheel, such that the rotation of rear wheel 214 maycause chain 212, chain ring 204, crank arm 206, pedal axle 208, andpedal 210 to rotate in the same reverse direction.

Bicycle 200 may further comprise a seat bar 218, a top bar 220, and adown bar 222. Seat bar 218, top bar 220, and down bar 222 may befastened together using appropriate fastening devices, such as welding.Seat bar 218, top bar 220, and down bar 222 may comprise a portion of astructural frame of bicycle 200.

Crank assembly 202, rear wheel 214, and front wheel 216 may be fastenedto the structural frame of bicycle 200 using appropriate fasteningdevices, such as bearings, brackets, pins, screws, nuts and bolts, andthe like.

In some embodiments, forward rotation of chain ring 204 may cause rearwheel 214 to rotate in the same forward rotation.

When operating bicycle 200 to move in a forward direction, a force, suchas from a foot of a cyclist, may be applied to pedal 210. The forceapplied to pedal 210 may be translated to a torque applied to chain ring204 through crank arm 206. The torque may cause chain ring 204 to rotatein a forward direction. The rotation of chain ring 204 may apply atension to chain 212 received in the teeth of chain ring 204 and maycause chain 212 to rotate about chain ring 204. Since chain 212 may beconnected to chain ring 204 and the rear wheel gear sprocket, chain 212may cause the rear wheel gear sprocket to rotate in a forward direction.As the rear wheel gear sprocket rotates in a forward direction, it maycause the pawl of the ratchet and pawl mechanism to rotate in the sameforward direction and the pawl may engage and lock with the ratchet.Upon engagement and locking of the pawl to the ratchet, the forwardrotation of the pawl may be translated to the ratchet, which may causerear wheel 214 to rotate in the same forward rotation. When bicycle 200is resting on a surface 224 such that rear wheel 214 is in physicalcontact with surface 224, there may be friction between rear wheel 214and surface 224. Applying a force on pedal 210 to rotate chain ring 204in a forward direction may drive bicycle 200 in a forward directionbased on the friction between rear wheel 214 and surface 224.

Reverse rotation of pedal 210 may cause the pawl mechanism to disengageand unlock with the ratchet, such that pedal 210 may rotate in a reversedirection without also causing rear wheel 214 to rotate in a reversedirection.

Similarly, forward rotation of rear wheel 214 may not cause the pawl andratchet to engage and lock, such that forward rotation of rear wheel 214may not cause chain ring 204 to rotate in a forward direction.

However, reverse rotation of rear wheel 214 may cause the pawl andratchet to engage and lock, such that reverse rotation of rear wheel 214may cause chain ring 204 to rotate in a reverse direction.

In some embodiments, bicycle 200 may be supported in a generally uprightposition at the exposed portion of pedal axle 208 or pedal 210 by loweredge 134 a of upper curb bar 130 a of rack 100 with the weight ofbicycle 200 supported by rear wheel 214 and front wheel 216. As depictedin FIG. 4, bicycle 200, facing in the positive-X direction, may besupported in a generally upright position at the exposed portion ofpedal axle 208 by lower edge 134 a of upper curb bar 130 a. Crank arm206 proximate to rack 100 may be pointed in the positive-X andpositive-Y direction for pedal axle 208 to be positioned against loweredge 134 a of upper curb bar 130 a.

Bicycle 200 may be placed generally parallel against rack 100 asillustrated in FIG. 4 to promote placement of pedal axle 208 againstlower edge 134 a of upper curb bar 130 a. A force, for example from afoot of a cyclist, may be applied on a pedal opposing pedal 210 so thatpedal axle 208 may be in physical contact with and may apply a force tolower edge 134 a of upper curb bar 130 a.

The physical contact between pedal axle 208 and lower edge 134 a ofupper curb bar 130 a, and the force applied by pedal axle 208 to loweredge 134 a of upper curb bar 130 a, may be increased by raising rearwheel 214 and rotating rear wheel 214 in a reverse direction. This mayremove the slack in chain 212. As described herein, the reverse rotationof rear wheel 214 may apply torque to chain ring 204 through chain 212and may cause chain ring 204 to rotate in the same reverse rotation. Thereverse rotation of chain ring 204 may cause crank arm 206 to rotate inthe same reverse rotation. This reverse rotation of crank arm 206 maycause pedal axle 208 to rotate and apply a force against lower edge 134a of upper curb bar 130 a, and increase the physical contact betweenpedal axle 208 and lower edge 134 a of upper curb bar 130 a. As reverserotation of rear wheel 214 continues, the force applied by pedal axle208 to lower edge 134 a of upper curb bar 130 a and the torque appliedto chain ring 204 through chain 212 may increase.

Rear wheel 214 may be lowered to rest on surface 224. The friction forcebetween rear wheel 214 and surface 224 may maintain the torque in chainring 204, the physical contact between pedal axle 208 and lower edge 134a of upper curb bar 130 a, and the force applied by pedal axle 208 tolower edge 134 a of upper curb bar 130 a.

The force applied by pedal axle 208 to lower edge 134 a of upper curbbar 130 a may create frictional force between pedal axle 208 and loweredge 134 a of upper curb bar 130 a, which may hold pedal axle 208against lower edge 134 a of upper curb bar 130 a. When pedal axle 208 isin contact with lower edge 134 a of upper curb bar 130 a, lower edge 134a of upper curb bar 130 a may prevent reverse rotation of the crank arm206, pedal axle 208, and pedal 210. Lower edge 134 a of upper curb bar130 a may apply a generally equal and opposite force to pedal axle 208.This force applied from lower edge 134 a of upper curb bar 130 a maytranslate to a torque that may be applied to chain ring 204 tocounterbalance the torque applied to chain ring 204 by rear wheel 214.These balanced forces and torques may restrict movement of bicycle 200,crank assembly 202, chain 212, and rear wheel 214.

With pedal axle 208 in physical contact against lower edge 134 a ofupper curb bar 130 a, lower edge 134 a of upper curb bar 130 a mayfrictionally and/or torsionally hold bicycle 200 in a generally uprightposition.

When bicycle 200 is supported by against lower edge 134 a of upper curbbar 130 a in a generally upright position, as depicted in FIG. 4,bicycle 200 may be locked to rack 100 at multiple points. For example,seat bar 218 and/or rear wheel 214 may be locked through first framering 140, top bar 220 may be locked with frame bar 122, down bar 222and/or front wheel 216 may be locked through second frame ring 142, or acombination thereof. Rear wheel 214, front wheel 216, seat bar 218, topbar 220, and/or down bar 222 may be locked to rack 100 using appropriatelocking devices, such as a U-lock, cable lock, chain and padlock,combination lock, and the like.

As depicted in FIG. 4, bicycle 200 may be facing in the positive-Xdirection with crank arm 206 proximate to rack 100 pointed in thepositive-X and positive-Y direction when supported in a generallyupright position at pedal axle 208 by lower edge 134 a of upper curb bar130 a. In some embodiments, bicycle 200 may be facing in the negative-Xdirection with crank arm 206 proximate to rack 100 pointed in thenegative-X and positive-Y direction when supported in a generallyupright position at pedal axle 208 by lower edge 134 a of upper curb bar130 a.

In some embodiments, bicycle 200 may be supported in a generally uprightposition at pedal axle 208 by any available portion of lower edge 134 aof upper curb bar 130 a not occupied by pedal axle 208 of anotherbicycle 200. This may allow one or more other bicycles 200 to besupported at pedal axle 208 by lower edge 134 a of upper curb bar 130 a,either on the same side of rack 100 as bicycle 200 or on the oppositeside of rack 100, in a generally upright position facing in either thepositive-X or negative-X direction.

In some embodiments, bicycle 200 may be supported in a generally uprightposition at pedal 210 by lower edge 134 a of upper curb bar 130 a in agenerally similar manner as described above.

Bicycle 200 may similarly be supported in a generally upright positionat the exposed portion of pedal axle 208 by upper edge 132 b of lowercurb bar 130 b of rack 100 with the weight of bicycle 200 supported byrear wheel 214 and front wheel 216. Bicycle 200 may be facing thepositive-X direction as depicted in FIG. 4. Bicycle 200 may be supportedin a generally upright position at the exposed portion of pedal axle 208by upper edge 132 b of lower curb bar 130 b to support bicycle 200 in agenerally upright position. Crank arm 206 proximate to rack 100 may bepointed in the negative-X and negative-Y direction for pedal axle 208 tobe positioned against upper edge 132 b of lower curb bar 130 b.

Pedal axle 208 may be in physical contact with and may apply a force toupper edge 132 b of lower curb bar 130 b. Said physical contact andforce may be developed through the crank assembly 202 and increased byrotating rear wheel 214 in a reverse direction as described herein.

Similar to lower edge 134 a of upper curb bar 130 a, the force appliedby pedal axle 208 to upper edge 132 b of lower curb bar 130 b may createfriction between pedal axle 208 and upper edge 132 b of lower curb bar130 b, which may hold pedal axle 208 against upper edge 132 b of lowercurb bar 130 b. When pedal axle 208 is in contact with upper edge 132 bof lower curb bar 130 b, upper edge 132 b of lower curb bar 130 b mayprevent reverse rotation of the crank arm 206, pedal axle 208, and pedal210. The upper edge 132 b of lower curb bar 130 b may apply a generallyequal and opposite force to pedal axle 208. This force applied fromupper edge 132 b of lower curb bar 130 b may translate to a torque thatmay be applied to chain ring 204 to balance the torque applied to chainring 204 by rear wheel 214. These balanced forces and torques mayrestrict movement of bicycle 200, crank assembly 202, chain 212, andrear wheel 214.

With pedal axle 208 in physical contact against upper edge 132 b oflower curb bar 130 b, upper edge 132 b of lower curb bar 130 b mayfrictionally and/or torsionally hold bicycle 200 in a generally uprightposition.

When bicycle 200 is supported by upper edge 132 b of lower curb bar 130b in a generally upright position, bicycle 200 may be locked to rack 100at multiple points. For example, seat bar 218 and/or rear wheel 214 maybe locked through first frame ring 140, top bar 220 may be locked withframe bar 122, down bar 222 and/or front wheel 216 may be locked throughsecond frame ring 142, or a combination thereof. Rear wheel 214, frontwheel 216, seat bar 218, top bar 220, and/or down bar 222 may be lockedto rack 100 using appropriate locking devices, such as a U-lock, cablelock, chain and padlock, combination lock, and the like.

Bicycle 200 may be facing in the positive-X direction with crank arm 206proximate to rack 100 pointed in the negative-X and negative-Y directionwhen supported in a generally upright position at pedal axle 208 byupper edge 132 b of lower curb bar 130 b. In some embodiments, bicycle200 may be facing in the negative-X direction with crank arm 206proximate to rack 100 pointed in the positive-X and negative-Y directionwhen supported in a generally upright position at pedal axle 208 byupper edge 132 b of lower curb bar 130 b.

In some embodiments, bicycle 200 may be supported in a generally uprightposition at pedal axle 208 by any available portion of upper edge 132 bof lower curb bar 130 b not occupied by pedal axle 208 of anotherbicycle 200. This may allow one or more other bicycles 200 to besupported at pedal axle 208 by upper edge 132 b of lower curb bar 130 b,either on the same side of rack 100 as bicycle 200 or on the oppositeside of rack 100, in a generally upright position facing in either thepositive-X or negative-X direction.

In some embodiments, bicycle 200 may be supported in a generally uprightposition at pedal 210 by upper edge 132 b of lower curb bar 130 b in agenerally similar manner as described above.

In some embodiments, bicycle 200 may be supported in a generally uprightposition at the exposed portion of pedal axle 208 by slots 136 with theweight of bicycle 200 supported by rear wheel 214 and front wheel 216.As depicted in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, slots 136 a, 136 b, and 136 c may beinstalled on upper edge 132 a of upper curb bar 130 a. When bicycle 200is supported by slots 136, crank arm 206 may be pointed generallyvertically in the positive-Y direction for pedal axle 208 to be receivedin slot 136, for example slot 136 b as illustrated in FIG. 5. In someembodiments, slots 136 may be installed on lower edge 134 a of uppercurb bar 130 a, or slots 136 may be installed on upper edge 132 b orlower edge 134 b of lower curb bar 130 b

Bicycle 200 may be positioned adjacent and generally parallel to rack100. As depicted in FIG. 5, bicycle 200 may facing the positive-Xdirection. In some embodiments, bicycle 200 may be facing the negative-Xdirection. Bicycle 200 may be lifted and positioned such that pedal axle208 may be above slot 136 b. Bicycle 200 may be lowered, so slot 136 bmay receive pedal axle 208, and bicycle 200 may be rested on surface 224with the weight of bicycle 200 supported by rear wheel 214 and frontwheel 216. In some embodiments, pedal axle 208 may not be in physicalcontact or be applying a force to the edges of slot 136 b.

As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, with pedal axle 208 received in slot 136b, crank arm 206 may be on one side of upper curb bar 130 a and pedal210 may be on the other side of upper curb bar 130 a, such that crankarm 206 and pedal 210 may be straddling upper curb bar 130 a. The widthof slot 136 b may be narrower than the diameter of crank arm 206 andnarrower than the length or width of pedal 210. When pedal axle 208 isreceived in slot 136 b, upper curb bar 130 a may prevent lateralmovement of bicycle 200. In some embodiments, bicycle 200 may beprevented from falling away from rack 100 when pedal axle 208 isreceived in slot 136 b. In some embodiments, bicycle 200, for examplethe frame of bicycle 200, may be prevented from leaning against rack100.

The edges of slot 136 b may restrict bicycle 200 from forward or reversemovement. The edges of slot 136 b may apply a force against pedal axle208 when bicycle 200 moves forward or in reverse.

In some embodiments, rear wheel 214 may be rotated in a reversedirection such that pedal axle 208 may be in physical contact with andapplying a force to edges of slot 136 b in a manner generally similar topedal axle 208 contacting and applying a force to upper edge 132 orlower edge 134 of curb bar 130 as described herein for restrictingmovement of bicycle 200, crank assembly 202, chain 212, and rear wheel214.

With pedal axle 208 received in slot 136 b and/or be in physical contactagainst the edges of slot 136 b, slot 136 b may frictionally and/ortorsionally hold bicycle 200 in a generally upright position.

When bicycle 200 is supported by slot 136 b in a generally uprightposition, as illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, bicycle 200 may be lockedto rack 100 at multiple points. For example, seat bar 218 and/or rearwheel 214 may be locked through first frame ring 140, top bar 220 may belocked with frame bar 122, down bar 222 and/or front wheel 216 may belocked through second frame ring 142, or a combination thereof. Rearwheel 214, front wheel 216, seat bar 218, top bar 220, and/or down bar222 may be locked to rack 100 using appropriate locking devices, such asa U-lock, cable lock, chain and padlock, combination lock, and the like.

In some embodiments, slots 136 may be curved with a radius of curvaturegenerally similar to a radius of an arc traced by rotation of pedal axle208 or pedal 210 about a centre of chain ring 204 of bicycle 200.Bicycle 200 may be lifted and lowered for pedal axle 208 to be receivedin the opening of curved slot 136. A force, for example from a foot of acyclist, may be applied on a pedal opposing pedal 210 so that pedal axle208 may be received in curved slot 136. Pedal axle 208 may be inphysical contact with and may apply a force to an edge of curved slot136, for example, the end of curved slot 136. As described herein, saidforce may be increased by rotating rear wheel 214 in a reversedirection.

As described herein, the force applied by pedal axle 208 to an edge ofcurved slot 136 may create friction between pedal axle 208 and the edgeof curved slot 136, which may hold pedal axle 208 against the edge ofcurved slot 136. This force applied from the edge of curved slot 136 maytranslate to a torque that may be applied to chain ring 204 to balancethe torque applied to chain ring 204 by rear wheel 214. These balancedforces and torques may restrict movement of bicycle 200, crank assembly202, chain 212, and rear wheel 214.

With pedal axle 208 in physical contact against curved slot 136, curvedslot 136 may frictionally and/or torsionally hold bicycle 200 in agenerally upright position.

In some embodiments, bicycle 200 may be received by any available slot136, for example slot 136 a, 136 b, and 136 c, installed on curb bar130. For example, as depicted in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, pedal axle 208 ofbicycle 200 may be received in slot 136 a. As another example, pedalaxle 208 of bicycle 200 may be received in slot 136 c. Bicycle 200 maybe received in slot 136, such as slot 136 a, 136 b, and 136 c, whilefacing in either the positive-X or negative-X direction. This may allowpedal axle 208 of one or more other bicycles 200 to be received in anunoccupied slot 136, either on the same side of rack 100 as bicycle 200or on the opposite side of rack 100, for the one or more other bicycles200 to be supported in a generally upright position at pedal axle 208 byslots 136 of rack 100 facing in either the positive-X or negative-Xdirection.

In some embodiments, upper edge 132 b and/or lower edge 134 b of lowercurb bar 130 b may comprise slots 136. Bicycle 200 facing the positive-Xdirection may be supported in a generally upright position using slots136 of lower curb bar 130 b in a manner generally similar as describedabove, except crank arm 206 may be pointed generally in the negative-Xand/or negative-Y direction for pedal axle 208 to be received in slots136 located on upper edge 132 b and/or lower edge 134 b of lower curbbar 130 b.

In some embodiments, bicycle 200 may be supported in a generally uprightposition at pedal 210 by notches 138 of rack 100 with the weight ofbicycle 200 supported by rear wheel 214 and front wheel 216. As depictedin FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, notches 138 a and 138 b may be installed on upperedge 132 b of lower curb bar 130 b. In some embodiments, notches 138 maybe installed on lower edge 134 b of lower curb bar 130 b, or notches 138may be installed on upper edge 132 a or lower edge 134 a of upper curbbar 130 a. As depicted in FIG. 9, bicycle 200 facing the negative-Xdirection may be supported at notch 138 a, and crank arm 206 proximateto rack 100 may be pointed in the positive-X and negative-Y directionfor pedal 210 to be positioned at notch 138 a on the upper edge 132 b oflower curb bar 130 b.

Bicycle 200 may be placed generally parallel against rack 100 asillustrated in FIG. 9 to promote placement of pedal 210 against notch138 a and be received by notch 138 a. A force, for example from a footof a cyclist, may be applied on a pedal opposing pedal 210 so that pedal210 may be in physical contact with and may apply a force to notch 138a.

The physical contact between pedal 210 and notch 138 a, and the forceapplied by pedal 210 to notch 138 a, may be increased by raising rearwheel 214 and rotating rear wheel 214 in a reverse direction. This mayremove the slack in chain 212. As described herein, the reverse rotationof rear wheel 214 may apply torque to chain ring 204 and may cause chainring 204 to rotate in the same reverse rotation. The reverse rotation ofchain ring 204 may cause crank arm 206 to rotate in the same reverserotation. The reverse rotation of crank arm 206 may increase thephysical contact between pedal 210 and notch 138 a and the force appliedby pedal 210 to notch 138 a.

Rear wheel 214 may be lowered to be in physical contact with surface224. The friction force between rear wheel 214 and surface 224 maymaintain the physical contact between pedal 210 and notch 138 a, and theforce applied by pedal 210 to notch 138 a.

The force applied by pedal 210 to notch 138 a may create frictionbetween pedal 210 and notch 138 a, which may hold pedal 210 stationaryagainst notch 138 a. When pedal 210 is in contact with notch 138 a,notch 138 a may prevent reverse rotation of the crank arm 206, pedalaxle 208, and pedal 210. Notch 138 a may apply a generally equal andopposite force to pedal 210. This force applied from notch 138 a maytranslate to a torque that may be applied to chain ring 204 to balancethe torque applied to chain ring 204 by rear wheel 214. These balancedforces and torques may restrict movement of bicycle 200, crank assembly202, chain 212, and rear wheel 214.

As depicted in FIG. 10, pedal 210 may have a pedal channel 211 extendingthrough pedal 210. In some embodiments, notches 138, such as notch 138 aand 138 b, may comprise teeth for receiving in pedal channel 211 topromote placement of pedal 210 against notches 138 and to promotereception of pedal 210 by notches 138. Teeth on notches 138 may furtherpromote friction between pedal 210 and notches 138.

With pedal 210 in physical contact against and received by notch 138 a,notch 138 a may frictionally and/or torsionally hold bicycle 200 in agenerally upright position.

When bicycle 200 is supported by against notch 138 a in a generallyupright position, as depicted in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, bicycle 200 may belocked to rack 100 at multiple points. As described herein, seat bar 218and/or rear wheel 214 may be locked through second frame ring 142, topbar 220 may be locked with frame bar 122, down bar 222 and/or frontwheel 216 may be locked through first frame ring 140, or a combinationthereof. Rear wheel 214, front wheel 216, seat bar 218, top bar 220,and/or down bar 222 may be locked to rack 100 using appropriate lockingdevices, such as a U-lock, cable lock, chain and padlock, combinationlock, and the like.

As depicted in FIG. 9, bicycle 200 may be facing in the negative-Xdirection with crank arm 206 proximate to rack 100 pointed in thepositive-X and negative-Y direction when supported in a generallyupright position at pedal 210 by notch 138 a. If bicycle 200 is facingthe positive-X direction, similar to bicycle 200 as depicted in FIG. 7and FIG. 8, crank arm 206 proximate to rack 100 may be pointed in thenegative-X and negative-Y direction for pedal 210 to be positioned andsupported at notch 138 a on upper edge 132 b of lower curb bar 130 b.

In some embodiments, bicycle 200 may be received by any notch 138installed on curb bar 130. This may allow a pedal of another bicycle tobe received in an unoccupied notch, such as notch 138 b, either on thesame side of rack 100 as bicycle 200 or on the opposite side of rack 100to be supported in a generally upright position by rack 100 facing ineither the positive-X or negative-X direction.

As depicted in FIG. 4 through FIG. 8, bicycle 200 may be supported byand secured to rack 100 while bicycle 200 is facing generally in thepositive-X direction. In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 9 andFIG. 10, bicycle 200 may be supported by and secured to rack 100 whilefacing generally in the negative-X direction. Rack 100 may supportbicycle 200 while bicycle 200 is facing in either the positive-X ornegative-X direction.

Similarly, as depicted in FIG. 4 through FIG. 10, bicycle 200 may besupported by and secured to rack 100 at one side of rack 100. In someembodiments, bicycle 200 may be supported by and secured to rack 100 oneither side of rack 100.

In some embodiments, rack 100 may support more than one bicycle at atime, such as two or more bicycles. Rack 100 may be manufactured to havea length, and the mounting surface may define a length of upper edge 132or a lower edge 134, and/or the mounting surface may define a number ofslots 136 or notches 138, such that rack 100 may support one or morebicycles 200 at a time on either or both sides of rack 100. For example,rack 100 may support two bicycles 200. Rack 100 may support a firstbicycle 200 and a second bicycle 200 at the same time. The first bicycle200 and the second bicycle 200 may be supported by rack 100 whilepositioned on the same side of rack 100, or the first bicycle 200 may bepositioned on a first side of rack 100, and the second bicycle 200 maybe positioned on a second side of rack 100. As another example, rack 100may support more than two bicycles 200. One or more bicycles 200 may besupported on a first side of rack 100, and/or one or more bicycles 200may be supported on a second side of rack 100.

In some embodiments, a plurality of racks 100 may be configured to forma bicycle parking area. Racks 100 may be arranged in a row, arrangednext to each other, or a combination thereof. A bicycle parking areacomprising racks 100 may allow a cyclist to use either side of a row ofracks 100 to support and secure bicycle 200 from a single accesscorridor between two rows of racks 100.

In some examples, a bicycle parking area comprising two rows of racks100, each row comprising four racks 100, may support and secure 16bicycles 200. Said bicycle parking area may require 216 square feet, or13.5 square feet per bicycle.

In some examples, a bicycle parking area comprising one row of racks100, the row comprising four racks 100, may support and secure eightbicycles 200. Said bicycle parking area may require 84 square feet whensaid bicycle parking area is positioned against a wall, or 10.5 squarefeet per bicycle.

In some embodiments, rack 100 may support bicycle 200 in a generallyupright position using a structural element of bicycle 200 that may becommon to most bicycles. Rack 100 may be in physical contact with crankassembly 202, for example, pedal axle 208 or pedal 210 of bicycle 200.This may allow rack 100 to support and secure bicycles of differentconfigurations and types as crank assembly 202, pedal axle 208 or pedal210 may be features commonly shared by bicycles of differentconfigurations and types. For example, rack 100 may support a bicyclewith or without a diamond-shaped frame, a bicycle made for an adult, abicycle made for a child, a recumbent bicycle, a touring bicycle, ahandcycle, and the like, as these types of bicycles have pedal axles andpedals.

In some embodiments, rack 100 may support bicycle 200 in a generallyupright position. This may allow bicycle 200 to be seen clearly toidentify bicycle 200 from a plurality of bicycles. This may also allowthe aesthetics of bicycle 200 to be seen. With bicycle 200 supported ina generally upright position by rack 100, it may promote a neat andorganized appearance, as opposed to a sloppy and disorganized appearancewith front wheel askew if bicycle 200 is leaned against a traditionalbicycle rack. A clean and tidy appearance may promote respect for rack100 and bicycle 200. In addition, when bicycle 200 is supported in agenerally upright position by rack 100, bicycle 200 may be protectedfrom scrapes, scratches, or other forms of damage that may be causedwhen leaning bicycle 200 against a bicycle rack. In some embodiments, aplurality of racks 100 may be used to form a bicycle parking area.Bicycles 200 supported and secured in a bicycle parking area comprisingracks 100 may similarly have a neat, organized, clean, and tidyappearance.

In some embodiments, rack 100 may support bicycle 200 when bicycle 200is facing in the positive-X or negative-X direction as illustrated inFIG. 4 through FIG. 10, and on either side of rack 100. Rack 100 may notrequire bicycle 200 to be oriented in a particular direction, or bepositioned on a particular side of rack 100, for bicycle 200 to besupported by and secured to rack 100. This may promote convenience whenusing rack 100 to support and secure bicycle 200. For example, wherethere is an impediment on one side of rack 100, bicycle 200 may besecured on the unimpeded side of rack 100.

In some embodiments, rack 100 may support one or more bicycles 200 oneither side of rack 100 at the same time. Bicycles 200 may be facing inthe positive-X or negative-X direction as illustrated in FIG. 4 throughFIG. 10. This may promote efficiency of use of land allocated to rack100. For example, a certain area of land may be designated as a bicycleparking area. A bicycle parking area using a certain number of racks 100may support and secure more bicycles 200 than bicycle racks that supportbicycles 200 from only one side.

In some embodiments, when bicycle 200 is supported by rack 100, it mayallow bicycle 200 to be secured to rack 100 at multiple points of rack100. As described herein, seat bar 218 and/or rear wheel 214 may belocked through first frame ring 140, top bar 220 may be locked withframe bar 122, down bar 222 and/or front wheel 216 may be locked throughsecond frame ring 142, or a combination thereof. This may promotesecurity of bicycle 200 when secured to rack 100, and may promoteincreased confidence and use of a bicycle as a method for transportationwhen rack 100 to support and secure bicycle 200 is available.

In some embodiments, rack 100 may meet the performance requirementsoutlined by the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionalsincluding being generally visible to nearby pedestrians or drivers whennot in use. This may reduce a risk of tripping over rack 100 bypedestrians.

In some embodiments, rack 100 may provide multiple supporting andlocking points to support and secure bicycles of various sizes andvarious configurations.

As described above, curb bar 130 may comprise a mounting surface forexerting a torque on crank assembly 202 of bicycle 200 to frictionallyand/or torsionally hold the bicycle in a generally upright position forsecuring the bicycle to rack 100. In some embodiments, the mountingsurface of curb bar 130 may define notches 138 for receiving andphysically contacting pedal 210 of bicycle 200.

Other configurations of notches 138 are possible. For example, FIG. 11Adepicts a rack 300 that may be generally similar to rack 100, exceptnotches 138 of rack 300 may comprise notch slots 302. As illustrated inFIG. 11A, rack 300 may comprise notches 138 a, 138 b, 138 c, and 138 d.Notch 138 c and notch 138 d may comprise notch slot 302 a and notch slot302 b (individually and collectively, notch slot 302), respectively.Notch 138 c and notch 138 d may be positioned at the ends of lower curbbar 130 b, as shown in FIG. 11A. In some embodiments, rack 300 maycomprise notches 138 c and 138 d only, as shown in FIG. 11B.

Notch slots 302 may be generally similar to slots 136. Notch slots 302may receive pedal axle 208 of crank assembly 202 of bicycle 200. Thewidth of notch slots 302 may be sized for receiving pedal axle 208 witha standard pedal axle diameter. In some embodiments, the depth of notchslots 302 may be sized such that when notch slots 302 receive pedal axle208, bicycle 200 may be supported by rear wheel 214 and front wheel 216without also being supported at the end of notch slots 302. In someembodiments, notch slot 302 may have a depth generally similar to thediameter of a standard pedal axle 208. Where notch slot 302 has saiddepth generally similar to the diameter of a standard pedal axle 208,when pedal axle 208 is received by notch slot 302, pedal axle 208 mayapply a force to the bottom edge of notch slot 302. Resting rear wheel214 on surface 224 may cause chain ring 204, crank arm 206, pedal axle208, and pedal 210 to resist movement. This may cause pedal axle 208 tomaintain the force applied against the bottom edge of the notch slot302. The bottom edge of notch slot 302 may apply a generally equal andopposite force to pedal axle 208. This force applied to pedal axle 208and crank arm 206 may be translated into a torque applied to chain ring204, chain 212, and rear wheel 214. The pedal axle 208 and the bottom ofthe notch slot 302 may apply generally equal and opposite forces, suchthat bicycle 200 may experience balanced forces and torques. Thebalanced forces and torques may restrict movement of the bicycle 200,and in particular, chain ring 204, crank arm 206, pedal axle 208, pedal210, chain 212, and rear wheel 214. The mounting surface defining theopening of notch slots 302 may be bevelled, rounded, chamfered, orotherwise smoothed for receiving pedal axle 208 of bicycle 200.

Bicycle 200 may be supported in a generally upright position at theexposed portion of pedal axle 208 by notch slot 302 of rack 300 with theweight of bicycle 200 supported by rear wheel 214 and front wheel 216.When bicycle 200 is supported by notch slot 302 and facing thenegative-X direction, crank arm 206 may be pointed in the positive-X andnegative-Y direction as shown in FIG. 12 for pedal axle 208 to bereceived in notch slot 302. When bicycle 200 is facing the positive-Xdirection and supported by notch slot 302, crank arm 206 may be pointedin the negative-X and negative-Y direction.

Bicycle 200 may be positioned adjacent and generally parallel to rack300. Bicycle 200 may be lifted and positioned such that pedal axle 208may be above notch slot 302. Bicycle 200 may be lowered, so notch slot302 may receive pedal axle 208, and bicycle 200 may be rested on surface224 with the weight of bicycle 200 supported by rear wheel 214 and frontwheel 216 and may be held in a generally upright position by balancedfrictional forces and torques at pedal axle 208 and bottom of notch slot302.

As shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, with pedal axle 208 received in notchslot 302 a, crank arm 206 may be on one side of lower curb bar 130 b andpedal 210 may be on the other side of lower curb bar 130 b, such thatcrank arm 206 and pedal 210 may be straddling lower curb bar 130 b. Thewidth of notch slot 302 a may be narrower than the diameter of crank arm206 or the length and width of pedal 210. When pedal axle 208 isreceived in notch slot 302 a, lower curb bar 130 b may prevent lateralmovement of bicycle 200. In some embodiments, bicycle 200 may beprevented from falling away from rack 100. In some embodiments, bicycle200, for example the frame of bicycle 200, may be prevented from leaningagainst rack 100.

The edges of notch slot 302 a may restrict bicycle 200 from forward orreverse movement. The edges of notch slot 302 a may apply a forceagainst pedal axle 208 when bicycle 200 moves forward or reverse.

In some embodiments, rear wheel 214 may be rotated in a reversedirection such that pedal axle 208 may be in physical contact with andapplying an increased force to edges of notch slot 302 a in a manner asdescribed herein for restricting movement of bicycle 200, crank assembly202, chain 212, and rear wheel 214.

With pedal axle 208 received in notch slot 302 a and/or be in physicalcontact against the edges of notch slot 302 a, notch slot 302 a mayfrictionally and/or torsionally hold bicycle 200 in a generally uprightposition.

When bicycle 200 is supported by notch slot 302 a in a generally uprightposition, bicycle 200 may be locked to rack 100 at multiple points asdescribed herein.

In some embodiments, bicycle 200 may be received by any available notchslot 302 installed on notch 138 of curb bar 130, such as notch slot 302a as depicted in FIG. 11A through FIG. 13, or notch slot 302 b. This mayallow pedal axle 208 of one or more other bicycles 200 to be received inan unoccupied notch slot 302 for the one or more other bicycles 200 tobe supported at pedal axle 208 by notch slot 302, either on the sameside of rack 100 as bicycle 200 or the opposite side of rack 100, in agenerally upright position facing in either the positive-X or negative-Xdirection.

As described above and depicted in FIG. 4 through FIG. 13, rack 100 maycomprise two curb bars 130, for example, upper curb bar 130 a and lowercurb bar 130 b.

Other configurations of curb bar 130 are possible. FIG. 14 is a frontview of a rack 400 that may be generally similar to rack 100, exceptrack 400 has one curb bar 402. As depicted, curb bar 402 may begenerally similar to upper curb bar 130 a of rack 100. In someembodiments, curb bar 402 may be generally similar to lower curb bar 130b of rack 100. Curb bar 402 may comprise upper edge 132 and lower edge134. Curb bar 402 may further comprise slots 136, such as slots 136 a,136 b, and 136 c as shown in FIG. 14. In some embodiments, curb bar 402may comprise notches 138 and/or notch slots 302.

In some embodiments, curb bar 402 may be located at a height generallysimilar to upper curb bar 130 a. In some embodiments, curb bar 402 maybe located at a height generally similar to lower curb bar 130 b. Curbbar 402 may be located at any appropriate height for supporting bicycle200 in a generally upright manner as described herein.

Curb bar 402 may comprise a shape and/or size that may be appropriatefor supporting bicycle 200 in a generally upright manner as describedherein, such as a generally rectangular shape as illustrated in FIG. 14.In some embodiments, curb bar 402 may have an “S” shape, such that aportion of curb bar 402 may be located at a height generally similar toupper curb bar 130 a and another portion of curb bar 402 may be locatedat a height generally similar to lower curb bar 130 b, said upper andlower portions of curb bar 402 connected by a middle portion of curb bar402. In some embodiments, curb bar 402 may have a sinusoidal shape,wave-like shape, crenellated shape, irregular shape, and the like.

Bicycle 200 may be supported by rack 400 as depicted in FIG. 14 in agenerally upright position at the exposed portion of pedal axle 208 orat pedal 210. In some embodiments, bicycle 200 may be supported by upperedge 132 or lower edge 134 of curb bar 402 or slots 136 with the weightof bicycle 200 supported by rear wheel 214 and front wheel 216 asdescribed herein.

FIG. 15 depicts a process S500 for supporting bicycle 200 in a generallyupright position with lower edge 134 a of upper curb bar 130 a of rack100.

At block S502, bicycle 200 is positioned generally parallel to eitherside of rack 100, bicycle 200 facing in either the forward or reversedirection.

At block S504, bicycle 200 is moved towards rack 100 to position pedalaxle 208 or pedal 210 under lower edge 134 a of upper curb bar 130 a.

At block S506, pedal axle 208 or pedal 210 may be physically contactedwith lower edge 134 a of upper curb bar 130 a. For example a downwardforce, such as from a foot of a cyclist, may be applied to a pedalopposing pedal 210 to promote physical contact between pedal axle 208 orpedal 210 and lower edge 134 a of upper curb bar 130 a. Pedal axle 208or pedal 210 may apply a force to lower edge 134 a of upper curb bar 130a.

In some embodiments, pedal axle 208 or pedal 210 may be in physicalcontact with a marked spot on lower edge 134 a of upper curb bar 130 a.When bicycle 200 is supported by rack 100 at the marked spot, bicycle200 may be aligned relative to rack 100 to secure bicycle 200 onmultiple points of rack 100.

At block S508, rear wheel 214 may be raised off surface 224 and may berotated in a reverse direction to create tension in chain 212. This maycause pedal axle 208 or pedal 210 to apply additional force to loweredge 134 a of upper curb bar 130 a.

At block S510, rear wheel 214 may be lowered to rest on surface 224.This may maintain the force applied by pedal axle 208 or pedal 210 tolower edge 134 a of upper curb bar 130 a. The force applied by pedalaxle 208 or pedal 210 to lower edge 134 a of upper curb bar 130 a maycreate friction between pedal axle 208 or pedal 210 and lower edge 134 aof upper curb bar 130 a for lower edge 134 a of upper curb bar 130 a tofrictionally and/or torsionally hold bicycle 200 in a generally uprightposition. An equal and opposite force applied from lower edge 134 a ofupper curb bar 130 a to pedal axle 208 or pedal 210 may apply a torqueto chain ring 204 for counterbalancing a torque applied to chain ring204 from rotating rear wheel 214 in a reverse direction.

At block S512, bicycle 200 is held in a generally upright position byrack 100.

At block S514, bicycle 200 may be secured and locked onto rack 100 atmultiple points.

FIG. 16 depicts a process S600 for supporting bicycle 200 in a generallyupright position with upper edge 132 b of lower curb bar 130 b of rack100.

At block S602, bicycle 200 is positioned generally parallel to eitherside of rack 100, bicycle 200 facing in either the forward or reversedirection.

At block S604, pedal axle 208 or pedal 210 that is proximate to rack 100may be positioned at the lowest point of its rotation.

At block S606, bicycle 200 is moved towards rack 100 and bicycle 200,including rear wheel 214, is raised to position pedal axle 208 or pedal210 over upper edge 132 b of lower curb bar 130 b.

At block S608, rear wheel 214 is lowered to rest on surface 224 and toengage pedal axle 208 or pedal 210 on upper edge 132 b of lower curb bar130 b.

In some embodiments, crank arm 206 may be positioned to point generallybehind bicycle 200 and in a downward direction, and pedal axle 208 orpedal 210 may be placed above upper edge 132 b of lower curb bar 130 b.Bicycle 200 may be lowered so that pedal axle 208 or pedal 210 may bephysically contacted with upper edge 132 b of lower curb bar 130 b.Bicycle 200 may be lowered until rear wheel 214 and front wheel 216 areresting on surface 224. This may rotate crank arm 206 proximate to rack100 to be pointed at a direction generally downward and behind bicycle200. An upward force, such as from a foot of a cyclist, may be appliedto a pedal opposing pedal 210 to promote physical contact between pedalaxle 208 or pedal 210 and upper edge 132 b of lower curb bar 130 b.Pedal axle 208 or pedal 210 may apply a force to upper edge 132 b oflower curb bar 130 b.

In some embodiments, pedal axle 208 or pedal 210 may be in physicalcontact with a marked spot on upper edge 132 b of lower curb bar 130 b.When bicycle 200 is supported by rack 100 at the marked spot, bicycle200 may be aligned relative to rack 100 to secure bicycle 200 onmultiple points of rack 100.

At block S610, rear wheel 214 may be raised off surface 224 and may berotated in a reverse direction to remove slack from chain 212. This maycause pedal axle 208 or pedal 210 to apply additional force to upperedge 132 b of lower curb bar 130 b. When rear wheel 214 is lowered torest on surface 224, this may maintain the force applied by pedal axle208 or pedal 210 to upper edge 132 b of lower curb bar 130 b. The forceapplied by pedal axle 208 or pedal 210 to upper edge 132 b of lower curbbar 130 b may create friction between pedal axle 208 or pedal 210 andupper edge 132 b of lower curb bar 130 b for upper edge 132 b of lowercurb bar 130 b to frictionally and/or torsionally hold bicycle 200 in agenerally upright position. An equal and opposite force applied fromupper edge 132 b of lower curb bar 130 b to pedal axle 208 or pedal 210may apply a torque to chain ring 204 for counterbalancing a torqueapplied to chain ring 204 from rotating rear wheel 214 in a reversedirection.

At block S612, bicycle 200 is held in a generally upright position byrack 100.

At block S614, bicycle 200 may be secured and locked onto rack 100 atmultiple points.

FIG. 17 depicts a process S700 for supporting bicycle 200 in a generallyupright position with slots 136 on upper curb bar 130 a of rack 100.

At block S702, bicycle 200 is positioned generally parallel to eitherside of rack 100, bicycle 200 facing in either the forward or reversedirection.

At block S704, pedal axle 208 that is proximate to rack 100 may bepositioned generally at the highest point of its rotation.

At block S706, bicycle 200 is lifted and pedal is raised to place pedalaxle 208 over the desired slot 136. In some embodiments, slot 136 may belocated on upper edge 132 a of upper curb bar 130 a, for example, asdepicted in FIG. 5.

At block S708, bicycle 200 is lowered to insert pedal axle 208 into slot136. Pedal axle 208 may be received in slot 136 but may not be restingon bottom of slot 136. Crank arm 206 may be on one side of upper curbbar 130 a, and pedal 210 may be on the other side of upper curb bar 130a. The width of slot 136 may be narrower than the diameter of crank arm206 and the length or width of pedal 210. Rear wheel 214 and front wheel216 may be resting on surface 224.

Lateral forces applied to bicycle 200 may be counteracted by upper curbbar 130 a. In some embodiments, the side surface of upper curb bar 130 amay apply a force on crank arm 206 or pedal 210 to counteract lateralforces applied to bicycle 200.

When pedal axle 208 is received in slot 136, edges of slot 136 may applya force to pedal axle 208 to resist forward or reverse motion of bicycle200.

In some embodiments, rear wheel 214 may be raised off surface 224 andmay be rotated in a reverse direction to remove slack from chain 212.This may cause pedal axle 208 to apply force to the edge of slot 136.When rear wheel 214 is lowered to rest on surface 224, this may maintainthe force applied by pedal axle 208 to slot 136. The force applied bypedal axle 208 to slot 136 may create friction between pedal axle 208and slot 136 for slot 136 to frictionally and/or torsionally holdbicycle 200 in a generally upright position. An equal and opposite forceapplied from slot 136 to pedal axle 208 may apply a torque to chain ring204 for counterbalancing a torque applied to chain ring 204 fromrotating rear wheel 214 in a reverse direction.

At block S710, bicycle 200 is held in a generally upright direction byrack 100. This may allow bicycle 200 to be secured and locked onto rack100 at multiple points.

The preceding discussion provides many example embodiments. Althougheach embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements,other examples may include all possible combinations of the disclosedelements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and asecond embodiment comprises elements B and D, other remainingcombinations of A, B, C, or D, may also be used.

The term “connected” or “coupled to” may include both direct coupling(in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact eachother) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional elementis located between the two elements).

Although the embodiments have been described in detail, it should beunderstood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can bemade herein.

Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to belimited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine,manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps describedin the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readilyappreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes,machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps,presently existing or later to be developed, that perform substantiallythe same function or achieve substantially the same result as thecorresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized. Accordingly,the appended claims are intended to include within their scope suchprocesses, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means,methods, or steps

As can be understood, the examples described above and illustrated areintended to be exemplary only. The invention is defined by the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A rack for supporting a bicycle in a generallyupright position, comprising: a frame comprising a curb bar; and thecurb bar comprising a mounting surface for exerting a counterbalancingforce on a crank assembly of the bicycle to frictionally hold thebicycle in the generally upright position.
 2. The rack of claim 1,wherein when the bicycle is supported by the curb bar, the bicycle ispositioned relative to the rack for securing the bicycle to the rack. 3.The rack of claim 1, wherein the crank assembly of the bicycle comprisesa chain ring, a crank arm, a pedal axle, and a pedal.
 4. The rack ofclaim 1, wherein the curb bar comprises a slot and wherein the mountingsurface defines the slot.
 5. The rack of claim 1, wherein the curb barcomprises a notch and wherein the mounting surface defines the notch. 6.The rack of claim 1, wherein the curb bar comprises a notch, the notchcomprising a notch slot, and wherein the mounting surface defines thenotch and the notch slot.
 7. The rack of claim 1, wherein the mountingsurface is a lower edge of the curb bar.
 8. The rack of claim 1, whereinthe mounting surface is an upper edge of the curb bar.
 9. The rack ofclaim 1, wherein the counterbalancing force is a frictional force, andthe mounting surface exerts the frictional force on a pedal axle of thecrank assembly.
 10. The rack of claim 1, wherein the counterbalancingforce is a frictional force, and the mounting surface exerts thefrictional force on a pedal of the crank assembly.
 11. The rack of claim1, wherein the counterbalancing force is a torque, and the mountingsurface exerts the torque on a chain ring of the crank assembly.
 12. Therack of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises an upper curb bar and alower curb bar.
 13. The rack of claim 1, wherein the frame defines afirst side and second side of the rack, a proximal and distal end of therack, and the bicycle can be supported when positioned on the first orsecond side of the rack, and facing the proximal or distal end of therack.
 14. The rack of claim 1, wherein the rack can support one or morebicycles in the generally upright position.
 15. The rack of claim 1,wherein the frame comprises: a first frame leg, an end portion of thefirst frame leg deflecting inwardly to form a first frame arc; a secondframe leg opposing the first frame leg, an end portion of the secondframe leg deflecting inwardly to form a second frame arc; and a framebar connected to the first frame arc and the second frame arc.
 16. Therack of claim 15, wherein the curb bar is in connection with the firstframe leg, the first frame arc, the second frame leg, and the secondframe arc, the connection defining a first frame ring and a second framering.
 17. The rack of claim 1, wherein the bicycle is secured to therack at a seat bar of the bicycle.
 18. The rack of claim 1, wherein thebicycle is secured to the rack at a seat bar and a rear wheel of thebicycle.
 19. The rack of claim 1, wherein the bicycle is secured to therack at a top bar of the bicycle.
 20. The rack of claim 1, wherein thebicycle is secured to the rack at a down bar of the bicycle.
 21. Therack of claim 1, wherein the bicycle is secured to the rack at a downbar and a front wheel of the bicycle.
 22. A bicycle rack for supportinga bicycle in a generally upright position, comprising: a framecomprising a horizontal curb bar; the horizontal curb bar comprising: amounting surface for exerting a counterbalancing force on a pedal axleor a pedal of the bicycle to counterbalance a torque in a chain ring ofthe bicycle, the torque generated by reverse rotation of a rear wheel ofthe bicycle, to frictionally hold the bicycle in the generally uprightposition; and slots for receiving the pedal axle to prevent forward,reverse, and lateral movement of the bicycle to hold the bicycle in thegenerally upright position, wherein when the pedal axle is received inthe slots, a crank arm and the pedal straddle the horizontal curb bar.